The also president of the Episcopal Commission of Social Pastoral and Human Mobility explained that "this service would have authority, in the name of the bishops, for example, to be with the Union of Misericórdias and with the CNIS [National Confederation of Solidarity Institutions] with the central Government, with the Ministry of Social Security", to communicate concerns.

José Traquina, who made this revelation at the end of a visit by Portuguese bishops who are in the Vatican on an 'ad limina' visit to the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, said, quoted by the Ecclesia agency, that the project for the creation of this "structured service" of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) was presented at the meeting.

According to the bishop, an "official interlocutor" for the sector could offer a "more global vision", acting as a spokesperson for the Church's "concerns".

This body, which should have monitoring functions, will not replace the role of the CNIS or the Union of Misericórdias as representatives of the sector's institutions.

The Portuguese bishops will be in Rome until next Friday, when they will have an audience with Pope Francis, fulfilling an "ad limina" visit.

After the meeting at the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, Bishop José Traquina also referred to the issue of welcoming immigrants in Portugal, considering that the Portuguese people's "capacity for welcoming" will overcome difficulties and tensions.

"I am convinced that this [difficulties and tensions] is surmountable. It will take some time, but the Portuguese have common sense in this matter", he said, quoted by Ecclesia, rejecting speeches that promote conflict.

"Political speeches will fall over time, as the Portuguese have this capacity for relationship, as proven in the areas where immigrants are integrated, they are working", he added.

The "ad Limina Apostolorum" visit is made every five years and, in addition to meetings of the prelates with the different dicasteries of the Holy See, they also meet with the Pope, with the Code of Canon Law establishing that "the Diocesan Bishop has an obligation to present to the Supreme Pontiff, every five years, a report on the situation of the diocese entrusted to him".

The group for this visit is made up of 29 members of the CEP: 20 diocesan bishops, five auxiliary bishops, one elected bishop (Beja), two emeritus bishops (Cardinals António Marto and Manuel Clemente) and one priest (secretary and spokesperson for the CEP).

Read Also: Youth involvement in the Church was one of the "most important fruits" of WYD (Portuguese version)